SIETE MARES

Rotational Crew.

MEDITERRANEAN (Italy & France) 2026 SEASON CREW ARE:

CAPTAIN: Tiago Farto Silva

Tiago was born in Lisbon and grew up in Peniche, a surf town on Portugal’s west coast. From a young age he was drawn to the water—sailing optimists and 420s, surfing, and swimming whenever he could. In his twenties, he worked as a surf instructor at Baleal Surfcamp, teaching both kids and adults from all over Europe how to catch their first wave. He later studied at the Nautical University in Lisbon, earning a degree in Nautical Sciences before joining the Norwegian merchant navy as a deck officer. His career took him across the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic aboard chemical tankers, seismic vessels, and ROV ships. In 2019, Tiago returned to Europe and began working charters in Greece and Croatia, and it also brought him to Tahiti and the Caribbean. He loves that chartering allowed him to bring together many of his passions—instructing, navigating, exploring, and life on the water—and he’s been doing it ever since. Having spent most of his life at sea, Tiago is a confident and experienced captain who enjoys sharing his knowledge and showing others the beauty of life on the ocean. Calm, capable, and deeply experienced, Tiago makes every guest feel safe, relaxed, and well taken care of.

C E R T I F I C A T E S
• RYA Yacht Master
• Ocean Skipper
• Master of Yachts 200 GT Unlimited (MCA)
• OOW 500+ GT
• GMDSS Operator
• Dynamic Positioning Operator
• STCW Instructor
• Helicopter landing officer
• First Aid Certified
• Firefighting Certified
• Helicopter Underwater Escape Training
• ENG1


CHEF: Maxime Hughes

Raised along the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Maxime’s affinity for the ocean naturally evolved into a career at sea. With a strong background in hospitality and formal culinary training in Cape Town, she brings a refined yet adaptable approach to her role as a yacht chef. Her experience includes over 75,000 nautical miles sailed, a global circumnavigation, and participation in prestigious events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, Oyster World Rally and Oyster Regattas, journeys that have shaped her globally inspired culinary style. She has catered to high-profile and discerning guests in exclusive settings, requiring both discretion and precision at the highest level. Maxime’s cuisine is ingredient driven, elegant, and thoughtfully executed, reflecting a balance of technical precision and creativity. Known for her composure under pressure and intuitive guest awareness, she delivers a seamless and highly personalised dining experience.

C E R T I F I C A T E S
• IYT Professional Yacht Chef Culinary Course
• SYCA Super Yacht Chef Culinary Course
• Yacht Stewardess Course
• Food Hygiene & Safety Level 3
• STCW & PDSD
• MSOS Proficiency in Medical First Aid
• ENG1
• The Nutrition Institute Diploma
• Hospitality Management Diploma
• Events Management Diploma


FIRST MATE: Dylon Holm

Driven by a deep love for people and the ocean, Dylon joined the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) as a Volunteer Rescue Crew member and Class 4 Coxswain. His hands-on experience includes medical evacuations, surf rescues, CPR, and ensuring safety in high-pressure maritime environments. Whether swimming, bodyboarding, or simply keeping watch from a distance, Dylon is always focused on helping others enjoy their holiday safely. His background in bartending, customer relation allow him to create memorable, well-managed experiences—balancing fun with a quiet commitment to safety and care. With Dylon, every trip is not only enjoyable and engaging, but also supported by the calm confidence of someone who knows how to keep people safe without ever getting in the way of the moment.

C E R T I F I C A T E S
• STCW
• Designated Security Duties Certificate
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
• Elementary First Aid
• Personal Survival Techniques
• Power Boat Level 2
• ENG 1
• Class 4 Coxswain/Rescue Crew


YACHT HOST: Sarai Ben Ari

Sarai's journey has taken her from the picturesque coastlines of Italy, Germany, and Israel to the serene decks of luxury yachts. Raised with a deep connection to the sea as the daughter of a skipper, she has always been passionate about exploring the beauty of the outdoors. Her love for the ocean led her to competitive windsurfing and scuba diving, capturing the wonders of nature through her lens with photography. With a background steeped in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, Sarai initially brought her talents to the galley, crafting meals that brought people together around the dining table. Her experiences in hospitality and her service as a Commanding Officer have instilled in her a profound appreciation for human connection and companionship. After completing two successful seasons in the Caribbean offering luxury charter experiences, Sarai now brings her passion for the outdoors and her dedication to creating memorable experiences to her role as a yoga instructor and vacation curator. She delights in sharing the activities she loves with her guests, from tranquil yoga sessions to immersive adventures that showcase the natural beauty of their surroundings. Passionate about free diving, Sarai also enjoys introducing guests to the serene and awe-inspiring world beneath the waves. She is committed to crafting the ultimate vacation experience, fostering connections, and creating lasting memories for everyone on board.

C E R T I F I C A T E S
• HACCP Food Safety System for
• Restaurants and Other Catering Services
• STCW
• Yoga Alliance Teacher 200h
• Yin Yoga Instructor
• PADI Rescue Diver
• Officer’s Course
• Search and Rescue Rope Gliding
• Officer's self development and mindfulness training



BVI CREW ARE:

CAPTAIN: Bastian Tromp (Onboard in Med until early July)

Growing up in South Africa, Bastian was always surrounded by nature. He found creative ways to indulge in it: mountaineering, surfing, scuba diving, or free diving—anything that would bring him closer to the elements. His enduring love for the sea naturally led him to become a skipper. Qualifying for his license on the challenging South African waters, Bastian's training prepared him for whatever the ocean might bring. His first voyage was a daring Atlantic crossing, which paved the way for numerous other journeys. His skills and dedication quickly saw him advance to the position of Captain. Bastian has completed two successful seasons in the Caribbean, offering luxury charter experiences that seamlessly blend his passions for sailing and connecting people with nature. Even on land, he is often sought to lead explorations and camping trips, making chartering a natural extension of his abilities. Bastian is truly passionate about the sea, nature, and our connection to it. An avid free diver, he loves the tranquility that comes with being underwater, appreciating the physical and mental challenges the sport demands while exploring a whole other world beneath the surface. He has an uncanny knack for finding the perfect equation for a divine sunset. For him, providing an unforgettable experience on the sea is a true joy, blending adventure and relaxation in perfect harmony.

C E R T I F I C A T E S
• RYA/MCA Yacht Master Oceans
• Yacht and Boat-building Level 2
• ENG1 (Medical Certificate)
• STCW
• Super Yacht Training
• RYA PWC (Jet-ski)
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Diesel Engine
• IRATA Rope Access Level 1
• PADI Free Diving
• PADI Advanced Diving
• Skydive ISP License
• DSC/VHF Short Range Certificate



CHEF: Kiki Bouman

Kiki is a chef from the Netherlands who started her career in restaurant kitchens, working her way up from line cook to sous chef. After eight years in the fast-paced world of fine dining, she decided it was time for a new adventure. In 2020 she swapped land-based kitchens for ocean-view galleys—and hasn’t looked back since. Food and cooking are at the heart of everything Kiki does. She thrives on challenges and embraces the belief that there is always more to learn in the kitchen. Her style is bold, vibrant, flavor-driven and she loves to experiment with unique ingredients. For Kiki, the dinner table is where the best memories are made, and her mission is to create incredible dining experiences for every guest. When she isn’t in the galley, Kiki loves exploring new cities and immersing herself in all things culinary—whether it’s wine tastings, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants or enjoying local food culture. She also dreams of opening her own place one day.

C E R T I F I C A T E S
• STCW
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• ENG 1
• HACCP
• Advanced Pastry Course at Bakery Institute


FIRST MATE: Dylon Holm

See Above.